Where to Rent a Crane to Position a Shipping Container

Renting a crane to place a shipping container is a common step for projects that need precision, safety, and speed. Whether you are setting a container on a residential lot, placing it behind a commercial building, or stacking containers for a larger structure, the right crane makes all the difference. The good news is that crane rentals are widely available across North America, and you usually do not need a specialized container-only provider to get the job done.

This guide breaks down where to rent a crane, what type you may need, and how to prepare so your container placement goes smoothly.

Crane lifting a 20' shipping container over a fence

National Crane Rental Companies

Large national rental companies are often the easiest place to start. They have wide coverage, standardized safety practices, and fleets that include mobile cranes well suited for container placement.

United Rentals

United Rentals offers a broad range of hydraulic truck cranes and all-terrain cranes. Many locations also provide certified operators, which is often required by local regulations. Their scale makes them a strong option if you want predictable availability and clear pricing.

Sunbelt Rentals

Sunbelt Rentals carries cranes in many regional markets and frequently works with contractors on short, single-day lifts. They are a good fit for one-container projects where you want a straightforward rental with minimal setup time.

Herc Rentals

Herc Rentals is another nationwide provider with mobile crane options. Availability varies by region, but they often excel in suburban and secondary markets where smaller crane sizes are in higher demand.

These companies are especially useful if you want everything handled in one place, including permits, delivery, and an operator.

Regional and Local Crane Companies

Local crane rental companies are often the best option for container placement. These businesses work in the same towns every day, know local access issues, and are familiar with residential and light commercial container jobs.

Benefits of working with a local crane provider include:

• More flexible scheduling for short lifts

• Better familiarity with narrow driveways and tight urban sites

• Competitive pricing for single-container placements

• Faster response times for site visits and adjustments

To find a local provider, search for “crane rental near me” or “mobile crane rental” along with your city or county. Look for companies that mention truck-mounted cranes, hydraulic cranes, or container lifts on their website.

Construction and Rigging Specialists

Construction and rigging companies are especially useful when shipping containers need to be placed with precision or integrated into a larger build.

Rigging specialists can handle:

• Container lifting points and spreader bars

• Leveling and alignment on foundations

• Multi-container stacking or complex layouts

• Coordination with engineers or inspectors

While this option can cost more, it often saves time and reduces risk on projects where accuracy matters.

Port and Industrial Crane Services

If you're  located near a port, rail yard, or industrial zone, port-area crane services may be an option. These companies typically focus on heavy lifts but often take on smaller container jobs during slower periods.

This approach works best for:

• Industrial sites

• Large commercial properties

• Projects involving multiple containers

For residential projects, these providers are usually less practical due to minimum fees and equipment size.

What Type of Crane Do You Need?

Most shipping container placements use a mobile hydraulic truck crane. These cranes are versatile, quick to set up, and capable of lifting a 20-foot or 40-foot container with ease.

General guidelines:

• A 20-foot empty container typically weighs about 5,000 pounds

• A 40-foot empty container typically weighs about 8,000 to 9,000 pounds

• Loaded containers require significantly larger cranes and more planning

Your crane provider will ask for details such as container size, estimated weight, lift radius, and site access before confirming equipment.

Information You Should Have Ready

Before calling a crane rental company, gather the following details:

• Container size and condition

• Whether the container is empty or loaded

• Distance from crane position to final placement

• Ground conditions and slope

• Overhead obstacles such as power lines or trees

• Desired placement orientation

Providing clear information helps avoid last-minute changes that can increase costs.

Costs to Expect

Crane rental pricing varies by location, crane size, and duration. For most single-container placements, expect:

• Hourly rates with a minimum number of hours

• Additional fees for travel and setup

• Operator costs included or itemized separately

• Possible permit or traffic control fees

Many residential shipping container placements are completed in under two hours, making crane rental more affordable than many people expect.

Permits and Safety Considerations

Some municipalities require permits for crane operations, especially if the crane will block a road or sidewalk. Reputable rental companies usually help with this process or handle it directly.

Safety is non-negotiable. Make sure the crane provider:

• Supplies a certified operator

• Carries appropriate insurance

• Conducts a site assessment when needed

• Uses proper rigging equipment for containers

Choosing the Right Provider

The best crane rental for placing a shipping container is not always the biggest company or the cheapest quote. Look for a provider with experience in container placement, clear communication, and a willingness to review your site details.

Ask how many container lifts they handle regularly and whether they can visit the site in advance. A short site visit can prevent costly surprises on delivery day.

Final Thoughts

Renting a crane to position a shipping container is a practical and widely available service. From national equipment rental companies to local crane specialists, there are plenty of reliable options. With the right preparation and a clear understanding of your site, container placement can be quick, safe, and stress-free.

Taking the time to choose the right crane provider ensures your shipping container is placed exactly where you need it, ready for storage, construction, or conversion.

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